Tom Smart
SHMF is delighted to announce that Tom Smart will receive the Board of Directors’ 2024 Arts Advocacy Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the visual arts of New Brunswick. Working closely with artists and art organizations in the province, the Board has direct contact with many who champion the arts, build our cultural institutions, advance the careers of our artists and engage the public in understanding and appreciation for creative expression. Tom Smart is an outstanding leader in all these areas.
As curator of major Canadian galleries, including the Beaverbrook, Smart has worked tirelessly to gain recognition for Canadian artists. Insightful writing focused on contemporary artists has marked Mr. Smart as a respected national scholar with the ability to reach a broad audience. His tenure as director of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery 2017-2024, was described by the gallery as “transformative”. Mr. Smart oversaw the creation of the Marion McCain Institute of Canadian Art and the construction of the Harrison McCain Pavilion.
His influence in developing outreach programming was of particular note to the Board of Directors. Chairman Dan Steeves notes “It was a pleasure partnering on a program for professional artist residency and another on youth advocacy. Tom Smart worked to fashion the Beaverbrook Art Gallery as a community hub and inspired us all. This award is our mark of respect for a great cultural leader.”
The presentation of this award will begin at 5 pm on Thursday, September 28th at Sunbury Shores Arts and Nature Centre. Mr. Smart has dedicated the cash award to the artist residency program at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.